Explored the complexity of moral concepts in Theodore Dreiser's Sister Carrie, analyzed how the novel challenges the idealized moral tradition in literature, and blurred the boundaries of good and evil through Carrie's character. Discussed the impact of deletions during novel publication on Dreiser's moral criticism, emphasizing the importance of manuscript versions. The version research method focuses on the initial version of the work and the author's intention, as well as the "intention" network generated by the text. Emphasize placing the work in its ideological context, considering the tension between literary text and literary tradition, as well as the creative context, exploring the connection between Dreiser's creation and literary tradition, and examining the transformation of American literary tradition in the early 20th century, as well as the position of Dreiser's works in it.

Publishing controversy and version revision

In 1900, Dreiser submitted the manuscript of "Sister Carrie" to the Doubleday Publishing Company, but encountered publishing difficulties due to ethical issues. The head of the publishing house, Page, believed that the theme of the novel was inappropriate, and Dreiser made revisions based on his opinions before publishing it. The Norton Critical Edition includes the edited version, and this article cites the manuscript version published by the University of Pennsylvania. Approximately 36000 words were removed during publication, including Carrie's expanded ending on future confusion and 30 narrative comments, psychological depictions, and plot adjustments. The key omission is in Chapter 10, where the narrator comments on Carrie's cohabitation choice, implying that moral dilemmas are not unique to women and deconstructing gender factors. The manuscript version presents a more three-dimensional image of Carrie, showcasing her desire for independence and psychological activities. Hesterwood's image is also richer, showing remorse and cowardice for crime. The manuscript editor believes that character development is more humane, reflecting Dreiser's understanding of the complex moral compromises of human nature. There is controversy in the critical community over Dreiser's moral views. This article explores his moral stance from the manuscript version, believing that it will help to gain a deeper understanding of Dreiser's works and literary heritage.

The Moral View of Dreiser's Works

Dreiser's works explore the complexity of moral values, emphasizing that morality is not only related to evolutionary laws, but also closely linked to the inner world. He drew inspiration from classical philosophers such as Aristotle's rational moral view, believing that humans overcome desires through reason and morality, achieving a leap from animals to humans. Dreiser focuses on the confrontation between morality and instinct, reason and irrationality, especially in his character Hesterwood, showcasing the individual's struggle between desire and reason. He was influenced by Freudian psychology, acknowledged the irrational side of human nature, and explored the influence of instinct on choice in "Notes on Life". Dreiser's creative philosophy attempts to transcend moral judgment and present the complexity of morally deviant individuals, without imparting moral knowledge in a didactic manner. He focuses on the efforts of individuals after failure, echoing naturalism's understanding of human nature, acknowledging the legitimacy of "anti morality" and "evil" in human nature, and understanding the complexity of morality and anti morality in specific survival contexts. Dreiser's moral concept does not occupy a high ground in judging moral misconduct, but provides another perspective for understanding human nature, influencing his social criticism stance and creative ethics.

Creative Ethics and Literary Transformation

Explored the transformation of moral values in late 19th century American literature, particularly how Dreiser and other naturalistic writers broke through traditional moral frameworks and sought more authentic literary expressions. Dreiser believed that writers should honestly express the truth and not be limited by moral judgments, which contrasts with the literary world's demand for moral exemplars at the time. Naturalist writers attempt to transcend traditional moral evolution concepts, confront the evil of human nature and social issues, and focus on reality from a broader ethical standpoint. Dreiser's works, such as "Sister Carrie," depict the lives of unemployed urban wanderers, questioning society's neglect of the plight of the lower classes, and demonstrating acceptance of "evil" and concern for the backward. This creative ethics has influenced the American literary tradition, gradually leading to the acceptance of Dreiser's works and, together with realist literature, promoting the transformation of literary paradigms. Dreiser regarded artists as media, emphasizing the transcendence of individuality in literature. His works and creative ethics have left a profound impact on literary traditions, providing a ideological foundation for later modernist and postmodernist literature.